Dealing with Negative People

Being around negative people when you are trying to make positive life changes and feel good and cheerful isn't easy. People with negative outlook about life, produce negative energy and negative vibes and will bring you along with them. Most of the time, they don't intend to influence your thinking and make you feel bad. It's just them being themselves, a pessimist, complainer and a wet blanket.

Avoiding negative people is one of the best decisions but it is easier said than done. It is difficult to avoid cynical people such as family members and coworkers. Even if you move out or change jobs, you will still meet naysayers because they are almost everywhere.

Dealing with Negative People No. 1 - Avoid Being Judgmental

Even though you can't stand them, allow people to be who they are and avoid being judgmental. Most people are unaware that they are negative. They behave and react with positive intent. You don't know what are on their minds. They may be trying to release their tension or voice out their fears or anger. And they may not know a better and healthier way to do it.

You don't have to agree with them but you also don't have to argue and try to prove that you are right and they are wrong. Don't try to change them or their way of thinking because they will resist you and your suggestions just like how you are resisting them.

Dealing with Negative People No. 2 - Look for the Positive

In spite of all the negativity, there is surely at least one positive trait in a negative person. Look for it and when you see it, focus on it. And why not tell that person about it. It would make his day and yours too. He may never have been aware of it and it may help change his attitude and focus of attention.

Dealing with Negative People No. 3 - Manage Your Emotions

Negative remarks and comments are hurtful and upsetting. If you try to justify, you may end up with an argument. If you try to suppress your emotion, it will hurt you more in the long run. So what can you do?

Don't take the remarks personally. Yes, it is difficult to ignore but if you try to reframe the situation, it may help change your state of mind and make you feel better. Remind yourself that a person's attitude shows what is in his mind. His opinion and is not necessarily true. It is just one of the ways for him to express something that is inside him.

Open Your Mind

Open your mind to accept different opinions. There is nothing wrong to accept that a glass that is half full is also half empty. Why not change your perspective? The negative people with whom you have to deal with are sharing or showing their opinions, thoughts and feelings about something. Why not use them as feedback or to challenge your own limiting beliefs.

Show and Lead by Example

You can't talk a person out of their way of thinking unless you are charismatic and have powerful skills to influence and make people listen. It is easier if you try to influence them by displaying the right attitude and acting and behaving in a positive manner. Just like negative energy, positive energy is contagious.

Maintain Your Positive Outlook

You have full control of your thoughts and emotions. Regardless of what's happening on the outside, you can choose how you want to think and feel on the inside. You can decide to remain positive in a world where many people choose the opposite.

To counter negativity, find optimistic and positive people to hang out with. Put yourself in a positive environment and feed your mind with inspirational and motivational writings and recordings.

Keep Your Distance

If you have tried everything to cope with negative people but can't bear with them any longer, limit your association. Stay away whenever you can. If it's not possible, try to avoid being alone with the negative person.

Allow the Law of Attraction to Work

You get what you focus on. So instead of focusing on why you keep attracting negative people into your life, why not set a different intention. When you wake up in the morning, why not try to say this positive statement, "I choose to attract positive and optimistic people into my life today."

Additional Resource

People Smart - Dealing with Difficult People and Stressful Situations

Relationship Advice

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